Bp-51 issue

[Island1064]

I was going to tweak my settings on the shocks and I noticed that the driver side rear shock has the bottom metal ring under the compression setting ring very loose compared to the other side, I put it back, but it's not fully in the groove and pokes out, the otherside is flush.
I'm concerned about long term leak potential or rubbing against the stone guard, anyone has that issue?

 

[mark71]

Mine is loose, too, so not sure of significance. But I am having issues with mine, so be aware.

My truck drove fine on the road, but within minutes of some moderate forestry roads (20 mph with pot holes), one of the rear shocks failed (loud double-bangs, no dampening and loud creaking when entering and exiting the vehicle). Notified ARB who sent me one replacement. Swapped it out Saturday, drove it Sunday, and now the other rear shock is failing.

I am hoping I just had bad luck and got a bad batch of shocks since no one else is complaining about theirs. But I do hope everyone with the BP-51s have had a chance to exercise theirs, as you wouldn't know about the issue until you cycle them a few hundred times.

 

[dukmon]

Oh dang.

Keep us updated on this mark71. Curious to know what the issue is and how it's being resolved.

 

[Island1064]

Thanks, so far all good as far as schocks, I did more than 500 miles and some dirt trails, apart from the loose ring, all good.

 

[MScruiser]

Man, this is not the first issue I've seen pop up with these new BO-51s...bummer

 

[Reckless]

Yeah, its got me leery on them now.

 

[mark71]

Update: only one failed shock. When it failed, noticed a creaking noise at rest with any movement of the truck (in addition to loss of dampening and loud double popping). After replacing the defective shock and driving, noticed other shock started making creaking noise (but no other changes) and assumed a second failure. Talked with ARB who encouraged me to look closely under truck to isolate creaking. The source turned out to be the shock guard rubbing against the shock. With some minor adjustment, or even time to wear in a bit, I'm certain it will not be an issue.

So in summary, only one bad shock, and it was immediately evident before driving because the compression adjustment ring would not turn.

Just wanted people to know since it does not appear to be a trend and these are excellent shocks. ARBs customer service was very good.

 

[codyaustin5]

10 months 10k miles no issues for me.

 

[dkw3]

12 months 16k and no issues. We just did a 1600 mile trip to Acadia National Park pulling my new custom built trailer and the LC did amazing....

 

[Island1064]

Good news, my shop talked to the ARB tech, the ring is just there to protect the shock against the rock guard, he advised to just remove it, they do for certain install like on jeeps. I was able to take it out, compress it and I was able to put it back.
All good for now.

 

[Forrest Murphy]

Unfortunately I have not been very lucky with the BP-51s, both the rear shocks have blown. About a week after the install the passenger one failed resulting in the creaking sound at rest. Now about 3 months later the driver side has failed. Mind you this vehicle has seen very light off road use. ARB has warranted both, the first one they gave a little more hassle asking for photo’s of the shock with fluid leaking. The second time the tech at the shop call ARB and ARB said they would have one out today under warranty. The tech said ARB almost did not sound surprised.

 

[mark71]

Unfortunately I have not been very lucky with the BP-51s, both the rear shocks have blown. About a week after the install the passenger one failed resulting in the creaking sound at rest. Now about 3 months later the driver side has failed. Mind you this vehicle has seen very light off road use. ARB has warranted both, the first one they gave a little more hassle asking for photo’s of the shock with fluid leaking. The second time the tech at the shop call ARB and ARB said they would have one out today under warranty. The tech said ARB almost did not sound surprised.

Welcome to MUD. What year is your LC?

As we like to say, "Pictures or it didn't happen".

 

[Island1064]

Indeed would love to see a pict so we can look for the issue.

 

[Forrest Murphy]

Update: ARB stands behind their products. They proactively reached out after reading the prior post. Not to sound like an ad, one has to have an appreciation for the engineering that goes behind an innovated internal bypass system like the BP-51 and is why I waited for the system to come stateside to start the build on my 13 LC.



I am blessed to have an understanding wife as I am one those guys that could not choose between a LC200 and AEV JK so I have both. Both fully built. I bought the LC200 because of the legendary reliability. Logging significant time in both, as well as the under the hood of both I have developed a true appreciation for the contrasts between the two vehicles. With the failures experienced with the BP-51 most recently I have had greater confidence in the reliability of the JK to serve as our family’s go to overlanding platform.



Eric at ARB and ARB as a company has restored my confidence in the BP-51 system. I shared my experience with the BP-51 system and how it left myself and the guys at AxleBoy here in STL scratching our heads. (plug for the guys @ AxleBoy they like ARB stand behind their craftsmanship and have been great while working through these issues)



Eric patiently took me through the engineering of the BP-51 system answered all of my questions. Currently, ARB proactively replacing the front shocks as well the one in the rear that has most recently failed. They want to make sure I do not experience any further issues with the BP-51 system. Knowing a manufacture stands behind their products and is truly concerned about their customers is truly refreshing. My gut tells me the reliability issues I have experienced are the rear view mirror.



Mark71- Attached is a picture of the latest blown shock you can see the fluid leaking down the shaft and grime.

 

[Island1064]

Nice to know they stand behind their product, just a question, when did you get the original bp-51 installed.

 

[Forrest Murphy]

late April 2016

 

[Island1064]

Do any of you with BP-51 have experienced small seepage from the adjustment rings? 3 of my 4 shocks do.

 

[Angelo1]

Great to hear they stand behind the product but if others are having issue with the BP-51 including things as simple as the rock guards getting easily broken, I will hold off on upgrading for awhile.

 

[dukmon]

Oh damn......

I have an entire BP-51 set up in my office foyer.

Should have waited for the BP-52's????

 

[Island1064]

They are awesome absolutely love them, maybe I'm reading too much into this. I have not contacted ARB yet, was thinking that it might be the fact they are new and it could be from the fabrication, this is why I posted here to see if I'm a only case or it is normal.